Why was Mike McCarthy fired from Packers? All about the current Cowboys HC's NFL career

Mike McCarthy has been a head coach since 2006. He started with the Green Bay Packers in 2006, guiding them to a Super Boel victory in Super Bowl XLV, and led the team until 2018. He then took some time off before being appointed by the Dallas Cowboys on Jan. 8, 2020.

Before the 2024 NFL season, let's look at why McCarthy was relieved of his duties with the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Packers fired Mike McCarthy on Dec. 2, 2018, due to an unimpressive start to the season. The McCarthy-coached Packers started the season with a 4-7-1 record, prompting the franchise to part with the Super Bowl-winning head coach. Packers president Mark Murphy said, via ESPN, at the time:

"The 2018 season has not lived up to the expectations and standards of the Green Bay Packers. As a result, I made the difficult decision to relieve Mike McCarthy of his role as head coach, effective immediately. Mike has been a terrific head coach and leader of the Packers for 13 seasons, during which time we experienced a great deal of success on and off the field.

Furthermore, McCarthy reportedly had a fractured relationship with Aaron Rodgers during their time together. The pair notably got into a heated sideline exchange during a 34-30 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 22, 2013. Defensive tackle B.J. Raji separated them.

Despite the pair downplaying the incident, they continued feuding about the offense and play-calling for the next five years until the tipping point was reached in 2018.

Following McCarthy's departure, Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to two more NFC championships. However, Rodgers continued to have a fractious relationship with the Packers management, leading to a trade to the New York Jets on April 24, 2023. McCarthy has since gone on to coach the Packers' bitter rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.

What to expect from Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys in 2024

The Dallas Cowboys appointed McCarthy as their coach on Jan. 8, 2020, becoming the team's ninth head coach. He enters his contract's fifth and final year with a lot to prove.

The Cowboys start their season with a game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8. The aim for the season is to win their first Super Bowl in decades, and Mike McCarthy has quite the task ahead of him.

The Cowboys must resolve the contract situation with Dak Prescott and determine the running back rotation. One thing's for sure: the expectant Cowboys fan base will not be happy with another wild-card round exit.